The Jack Reacher filmmaker is reportedly Tom Cruise and JJ Abrams' top choice to take control of the fifth instalment of the series, which stars Tom as IMF (Impossible Missions Force) agent Ethan Hunt.

"We're in the early stages of talking about it. I'll gladly do it if it all works out," he said.

Jack Reacher, which stars Tom as the titular hero, marks Christopher's first stint in the director's chair since 2000's The Way Of The Gun, and the director couldn't wait to return.

"They asked me to do it. It had been 12 years since anybody asked me to do it and when they asked, I jumped at the chance," he said.

"I was very excited about the challenge. I'll stay here for as long as someone asks me to."